Predict the empirical formula of the ionic compound that forms from sodium and fluorine.

NaF

Explanation:

Electronic configuration of Sodium is as follow,

Na = 11 = 1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s¹

As shown in electronic configuration, Sodium has 1 valence electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, to complete its noble gas configuration it donates one electron form Na⁺.

Na⁺ = 1s², 2s², 2p⁶

Electronic configuration of Fluorine is as follow,

F = 9 = 1s², 2s², 2p⁵

As shown in electronic configuration, fluorine has 7 valence electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, to complete its noble gas configuration it accepts one electron from Na to form F⁻.

F⁻ = 1s², 2s², 2p⁶

Henec, in order to form a neutral molecules, one Na⁺ combines with one F⁻ to form NaF.